New direction for fast-growing Anna, Texas

On July 21, 2021

The City of Anna, Texas has a new set of three coordinated plans to guide its fast-paced growth! On April 27, 2021, the Anna City Council unanimously adopted a new Comprehensive Plan, a Downtown Master Plan, and a Parks, Open Space and Trails Master Plan. Strategic Community Solutions was a member of the consultant team, […]

Lewisville approves its updated plan!

On July 21, 2021

Since its adoption in 2014, the Lewisville 2025 vision plan has reshaped the vision and priorities of this community. It’s been recognized with state and national awards and has dramatically increased community involvement. But in 2019, five years later, the City decided it was time to assess progress and update the plan to address new […]

Check out ‘Rethinking Together’

On June 18, 2020

Citylab High School Foundation held a fascinating virtual dialogue about ‘Rethinking Together’ on May 26, 2020. Karen Walz FAICP was one of three panelists who examined how the COVID-19 pandemic will change the way cities and buildings are designed. The moderator, Kourtney Garrett, President and CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc., had a great set of […]

Rethinking Together

On May 21, 2020

How is the current COVID experience changing the future of architecture, planning and the environment? If you’ve got opinions on this, please share them at a webiner next week. It’s sponsored by the Citylab High School Foundation. Karen Walz is a featured speaker, along with Kourtny Garrett of Downtown Dallas, Inc. and Ross Conway of […]

Karen Walz joins the CityLab High School Foundation Advisory Council

On May 19, 2020

Karen is pleased to be joining the Advisory Council for the CityLab High School Foundation. As they explain, “This Council consists of thoughtful community leaders who advise and support CityLab High School Foundation. The Foundation supports CityLab, a DISD Choice high school introducing students to architecture, urban planning and environmental science through rigorous project-based curriculum. Using downtown Dallas […]

I’ve Seen This Before …

On May 14, 2020

Here’s the fourth tale, written for the American Planning Association Texas Chapter and published online in May 2020: I’ve seen this before …

Lewisville receives national recognition!

On May 4, 2020

The American Planning Association’s annual conference this year couldn’t be held in Houston as planned. Instead, it became virtual, and so did the recognition of award-winning plans and projects. The City of Lewisville received the Gold Award for Implementation for the implementation of Lewisville 2025! It’s wonderful that Lewisville has received this recognition, and it’s […]

A New Plan for Anna

On April 15, 2020

Last night the City Council of Anna, Texas approved a contract for a consultant team to work with them on three important plans — an update to the Comprehensive Plan, a Downtown Master Plan, and a Park, Trails and Open Space Master Plan. The lead consulting firm on the team is Kimley-Horn, Inc. Strategic Community […]

2020 Great Places in Texas

On April 1, 2020

On March 31, 2020, the American Planning Association’s Texas Chapter announced this year’s winners of recognition as a Great Place in Texas. Building on the model of national APA’s program, this effort focuses on places in Texas that “exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value”. […]

The Black Swan of 2020 – COVID-19 Disruption

On March 26, 2020

Many years ago, I did a strategic planning workshop for a City Council that included a book discussion of “The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable” by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. The book’s title comes from the belief Europeans once held that swans were always white – that is, until explorers went to Australia […]